The end for four Norwood officials? Proposed recall language filed

Proposed ballot language to recall four Norwood Township Board members has been filed with the Charlevoix County Clerk.

This first step toward a recall election has been initiated by a group of Norwood residents unhappy with their board's overall performance.

"I turned in the petition to the county clerk for a group of people that actually drafted this (though) I was a part of the drafting process," said Norwood resident and former board member, Denny Way. "Many residents feel we are not properly represented, but are afraid to come forward - I'm not intimidated. I'm not afraid. This is simply a process at our disposal and people should stand up and say we are not happy with our township officials."

The four township officials of the five-member board who have been threatened with recall are supervisor Frank Hamilton, secretary Dana Pajtas, and trustees David Ridenour and Doug Warner.

The four recall attempts are separate and at the proposed language phase.

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Hamilton has been accused of serving "special interest group the Norwood Township Citizens For Health and Safety rather than the interests of the citizens of Norwood Township" in addition to alleged conflict of interest, Freedom of Information Act violations and placing the township at risk for lawsuits.

"The language is so vague I'm not sure how to respond," Hamilton said. "They've exercised their rights and I almost welcome it. If the people of Norwood are dissatisfied with the progress we've made so far, then they can voice it. If the they're happy with what we've done, then they will have their say, also."

He added, "I'm very proud of our record."

Pajtas' recall language is nearly identical to Hamilton's with the additional allegation that she has improperly posted meetings.

"There are no specific facts presented. There is no basis for their allegations," Pajtas stated in an e-mailed response to questions from the Courier. "It is a waste of taxpayer money as the voters have spoken less than a year ago."

Ridenour's proposed recall petition is similar to the two preceding.

"I don't understand it," Ridenour said. "I don't think it's going to go anywhere. I think this board has done an excellent job. We've done more than has been done in 20 years, especially with the beach clean-up and some other things."

He added, "It has always been my contention to keep the township out of any lawsuits."

Warner, whose proposed recall was similar to the other three, did not return messages by phone or e-mail by press time.

A clarity hearing by the Charlevoix County canvassing board, which oversees events like recalls, is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 9 in the Charlevoix County Board of Commissioners' chambers located at 301 State St. in Charlevoix.

The canvassers will check the language for clarity at this hearing open to the public. If approved, the petitioners will have 90 days to collect 95 signatures to force the recall.

If petitioners are successful, all four seats will be open for a public election in November.